Archives Issues
Volume 6, Issue No 3, Sep 2007
WATER DEFLUORIDATION BY LIGNITE
Lignite (raw or alum-treated) was found to possess about one-half the fluoride sorption capacity of commercial grade activated alumina. No significant difference in performance of raw and alum-treated lignite in five cycles of defluoridation column test at pH 5.0 ± 0.2, using hydrochloric acid as regenerant, was observed. Infrared spectra indicated interaction of fluoride with carbonyl and aromatic ring functional groups in lignite. The results call for long-duration column tests, employing fluoride-bearing groundwater of varied characteristics and at natural pH, to confirm suitability of lignite as a low-cost medium for home water defluoridation in rural areas of developing countries.
S. K. Kohli and Malay Chaudhuri
URBAN AND RURAL BULK PRECIPITATION CHEMISTRY IN BANGALORE REGION
Bulk precipitation is a combination of wet precipitation and dry fallout, which was compared at an urban Bangalore site and nearby rural areas in order to examine the influence of emissions within a large urban area on local precipitation chemistry. During the study period, samples were collected from June to September 2005 on weekly basis and analysed for pH, conductivity, major cat ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+) and anions (Cl–, SO42-, HCO3–, NO3–, NO2–, PO43-). Rural precipitation chemistry of Bangalore region in which the suburban site was upwind of the urban site and most urban emissions may be affected. Precipitation quality is a function of its contents of both acids and bases (alkaline), and any attempt to understand the processes causing acid precipitation must deal with the potential acid neutralizing capacity of alkaline materials. The objective of the present study is to establish the chemical composition of bulk precipitation samples collected from rural precipitation of Bangalore region and to assess variability in concentration between the areas. Attempt has been made to identify the predominant ions, which decide the quality of rain. It revealed that acidic pH of bulk precipitation samples were caused by H2SO4.
G. S. Munawar Pasha, B. C. Nagendra Prasad and G. P. Shivashankara
STUDIES ON TEXTILE DYE DECOLOURISATION BY DIFFERENT FUNGAL SPECIES
Different fungal species, isolated in the laboratory, were tested for their dye degrading ability in still culture at various incubation periods. The study revealed the effective decolourisation of Orange-11 and some commercially used dyes like Dri green 2B1 and Dri brill red 4BL1. Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus sp. caused 100% and 92% degradation respectively in 10 days incubation in still culture containing Orange 11 dye. Dri green 2B1 was effectively decolourised by most of the fungal species causing more than 70% decolourisation in 10 days. Dye decolourisation, an ability of some fungal species, suggests that they were promising fungal strains for the treatment of textile industry waste waters.
C. N. Murugalakshmi, R. Anand and V. Sharanya
INFLUENCE OF TREATED DAIRY EFFLUENT ON HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN FRESHWATER CATFISH CLARIAS BATRACHUS
The effect of treated dairy effluent was assessed by performing chronic exposure test on the fish Clarias batrachus. The fish was exposed to four concentrations of treated dairy effluent, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% for a period of 30 days. Haematological observations were made after this period with respect to the indices viz., total erythrocytes (RBC), haematocrit or packet cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet (Plt) and mean platelet volume (MPV).
R. Shasikumar and K. Nagarajan
Effect of subacute concentration of cadmium on the energetics of freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lam.) and fish Labeo rohita (Ham.)
The levels of pyruvate and lactate, and the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated in the organs of freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis and fish Labeo rohita at days 10, 20 and 30 after exposure to the subacute (0.7 mg/L) concentration of cadmium. A decrease was observed in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity along with a corresponding decrease in pyruvate level with an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lactate level in ctenidium, mantle, hepatopancreas and foot of the mussel and in the kidney, liver and muscle of the fish at all the days of exposure. Interestingly, an increase was observed in SDH activity and pyruvate level with a decrease in LDH activity and lactate levels in the gills of the fish. Among the exposure periods, either the percent suppression or elevation progressively recovered and reached to near normal over time of exposure in the order: day 10>20>30 in the organs of mussel. Whereas, in the organs of fish it was in the order: day 10>20<30. Thus, between the two groups of animals, either the percent suppression or elevation was progressively recovered over time of exposure in the organs of mussel, but the fish exhibited a little recovery at day 20 with a significant fall at day 30. These results indicated an adaptive ability to subacute concentration of cadmium in the organs of mussel by normalizing the oxidative and glycolytic pathways on prolonged exposure; whereas the fish exhibited susceptibility due to the suppression of oxidative metabolism and increased dependency on anaerobic glycolysis.
M. Venkata Chandrudu, A. Sreenivasa Reddy and K. Radhakrishnaiah
WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF TUNGA RIVER USING FACTOR ANALYSIS
The paper presents a factor analysis method which can help in assessing of river water quality. Variations in land-use by the human activity can have profound effects on river water quality. The water quality data collected for Tunga river is analysed in this study by using the factor analysis technique. It is observed that the water quality of this river is much affected by the agricultural pollutants and by urban wastes. In the study, variations in the quality of water in different locations has been observed. The river water quality was strongly affected by non-point sources from agricultural activities and by the urban wastes on the banks as well as along the river bed.
K. Yogendra and E. T. Puttaiah
A comparative study on biodegradation of chlorobenzene by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nocardia hydrocarboxydanse and Mycoplana dimorpha
Microorganisms have the ability to conform to a variety of environmental conditions. Their versatility makes them useful for various biotechnological applications. One such application is the use of microorganisms for removal of pollutants from the environment, called bioremediation. The first goal of the present work was to identify a microorganism which could grow on the model pollutant monochlorobenzene. The microbes used for degradation are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nocardia hydrocarboxydanse, and Mycoplana dimorpha. The batch-wise degradation is carried out on a laboratory scale using monochlorobenzene (MCB) as a substrate. The pH and temperature were maintained at 7.0 and 30°C throughout the experiment. The degradation was studied at various substrate concentrations (100, 200, 500 ppm.). Following a 2-5 hr post-treatment lag phase, degradation of the substrate occurred within 48 h. Various factors such as inocula, concentration of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), pH, temperature, presence of co-substrates and the type of carbon source used influenced the degradation of CAHs in shake flasks. Results show that the degradation was highest at an initial concentration of 200 ppm of MCB by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results also show that when the substrate concentration was increased to 500 ppm, the degradation became slower.
R. Manikandan, H. Janardhana Prabhu and P. Sivashanmugam
EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN NARAYANPUR WATERSHED, NALGONDA DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
The present studies were aimed to investigate groundwater quality in the Narayanpur watershed, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh. The need for evaluation of groundwater quality has gained considerable importance as the area is deficient in surface water resources and also experiences frequent serious water shortages owing to the vagaries of the monsoon. The groundwater is the only source of water for almost all villages of this area. The chemical characteristics of groundwater have an important bearing on its utilization, therefore, an attempt has been made to assess the quality of groundwater. A systematic approach has been made to elucidate various relationships between the different chemical parameters and to study their interrelationships. Evaluation of chemical data for different geochemical groups has been identified and presented for pre and postmonsoon seasons. The quality fluctuations and the variations in the concentration of different ions have been studied and the correlation has been attempted through graphical representation. A number of indices have been calculated and presented for finding the utilitarian aspects of the groundwater.
K. Niranjan Kumar and A. G. S. Reddy
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTION CONTAINING DIRECT BLACK E DYE WITH HYDRILLA VERTICILLATA
Phytoremediation refers to a set of technologies that use different plants as a containment technique. This technology is receiving attention lately. As the results from field trials, it indicates that it is a cost saving technique compared to conventional treatment. The present investigation has helped to understand about the phytoremediation capacity of Hydrilla verticillata to remove colour from the aqueous dye solution. The colour has been completely removed from 10 and 20 ppm aqueous Direct Black E solution after 96 hrs, and from 50 ppm solution after 5 days. Thus, the study helps us to understand the possibility of bioremediation of dyeing industry effluent using Hydrilla verticillata. The recycling and reuse of Direct dye containing dyeing industry effluents would be possible in the days to come.
M. Vasanthy and A. Geetha
Physico-Chemical and microbiological characteristics of textile processing effluents from Karnataka Processors Ltd., Karnataka
Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of textile processing effluent from Karnataka Processors Ltd. have been investigated. It has been observed that some of the waste streams are highly alkaline in nature (pH 8.7 to 10.9). Such waste streams also exhibit higher COD levels; 1300 mg/L from mercerization section and 1680 mg/L from desizing section. All the waste water streams possess higher TDS concentration ranging from 2000 to 6000 mg/L. BOD values were in the range of 135 to 900 mg/L, and alkalinity from 200 to 8000 mg/L. Highest possibilities of microbial counts on nutrient agar (NA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) were observed in the water samples collected from general utilities. Combined waste and wastes from dyeing and desizing sections also indicate the presence of microflora on growth media. However, no microbes were observed in the waste samples from mercerizing and bleaching sections. When the study conducted on quantitative basis, it was observed that microbial count was maximum (2110 × 104 CFU/mL) in the sample plate of general utilities, which was reduced to minimum in the samples from other streams.
B.V. Kulkarni, S. V. Ranade and A. I. Wasif
STUDY ON BIODEGRADABILITY OF VEGETABLE AND FLOWER WASTES BY VERMICOMPOSTING
An experimental study was conducted to determine the efficiency of vermicomposting process of various types of organic wastes such as vegetable, fruit and flower wastes. Various characteristics like pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, total solids, volatile solids and ash content were monitored continuously to ascertain the stability of the compost. The vermicomposting process for flower waste and fruit-vegetable waste mixture was compared. Both the processes were found to be effective with significant nutrient enrichment.
G. Manjula and P.N. Magudeswaran
AQUATIC AND MARSHY PLANTS AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN BHADRA RESERVOIR PROJECT REGION, KARNATAKA
In the present study, a total of 15 species of aquatic and marshy amphibious plants belonging to 13 families occurring in the Bhadra Reservoir Project region, Karnataka were found, and their description and economic importance is presented in this paper. Efforts have been made to find out the correct names in accordance with the latest International codes of Botanical nomenclature.
B.R. Kiran, Aparna Hamsa and E.T. Puttaiah
Effects of the detergent Commando on Cholesterol content of the Freshwater fish Labeo rohita
Fish Labeo rohita were exposed to sublethal concentration of the detergent Commando (20 mg) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs respectively. Biochemical analysis of cholesterol was carried out in liver, kidney, muscles and gills of the fish. The highest percent decrease of 35.1% in kidney, and minimum of 2% in muscles after 96 and 72 hrs exposures were noticed in cholesterol.
N. Saradhamani, R. Saraswathi and B. Dhanalakshmi
Ambient Air Quality Scenario at Port Blair, Andaman Island
Rapid population growth in Andaman islands has resulted in a considerable impact on the air environment. During the last few decades, there has been growing concern and realization that development cannot be sustained without preserving the environment. In order to have a check on environmental degradation due to the indiscriminate growth in an area, it has become necessary to initially carry out environmental monitoring studies to assess the current status. Following which proper environmental management plan has to be prepared for protecting and improving the environment. Ambient air quality monitoring in terms of suspended particulates (SPM), sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen was carried out at Port Blair for a consecutive two years period during January 2005 to May 2006. The study also focuses on the air pollution problem arising from the road transportation and shipping services.
M. Vasanthy, R. Velmurugan and Babu Rajendran
GROUND WATER QUALITY MODELLING FOR POLLACHI TALUK OF COIMBATORE DISTRICT
A detailed study on water quality was conducted by collecting samples from 20 bore wells of Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore district. A correlation analysis has been carried out among the various parameters. The usefulness of this approach has been demonstrated to predict the quality of ground water. Significant linear relationships among some water quality parameters have been obtained which can be used for rapid monitoring of water quality parameters.
R. Venkatasubramani and T. Meenambal
Optimization of industrially important enzymes laccase and peroxidase production in the Fungus Thelephora
White rot fungus, Thelephora, isolated by its high production levels of ligninolytic enzymes from stumps of a burnt tree, was examined for its optimum growth conditions such as pH and temperature as well as carbon sources (glucose, cellulose and lignin) and nitrogen sources (diammonium tartrate, yeast extract and urea). For the maximum growth of Thelephora the 6 day incubation period was required at pH 5.0 and 35°C with 3.0 g/L lignin as a carbon source and 0.88 g/L yeast extract as a nitrogen source. The lignin peroxidase (LiP) production was maximal on the 7th day at pH 4.5 and 40°C with 3.0 g/L lignin and 0.44 g/L diammonium tartrate. The manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) production was achieved on 7th day incubation at pH 4.5 and 40°C, with 2.5 g/L glucose and 0.22 g/L diammonium tartrate as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. The highest amount of laccase was obtained on the fourth day of incubation at pH 7.0 and 35°C using 3.0 g/L cellulose and 0.44 g/L diammonium tartrate as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively.
K. Selvam, K. Swaminathan , M. Manikandan and P. Chinnaswamy
Toxicity of arsenic on succinic dehydrogenase activity in Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
The freshwater fish, Labeo rohita, treated with two different sublethal concentrations (1/10 and 1/3 of the 96 hr LC50) of arsenic, have revealed a significant decrease in the succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in liver and muscle tissues throughout the period of 28 days of exposure. With the decline of SDH activity, the metabolic pathway has turned anaerobic to meet the increased energy demands during arsenic stress.
K. Pazhanisamy and N. Indra
EFFECT OF MERCURY AND EFFLUENTS ON SEED GERMINATION, ROOT-SHOOT LENGTH, AMYLASE ACTIVITY AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN VIGNA UNGUICULATA
The lethal toxicity tests for mercury and effluents were performed in Vigna unguiculata (cow pea). There was a significant alteration in the growth of plants. Effects of mercury and effluents reduce the germination of seeds. An abnormality in root-shoot length as well as variation in amylase activity was observed. The amount of phenolic compounds increase with increase in mercury content. Since Vigna unguiculata is an annual plant, results can be seen quickly.
P. Uma Devi, S. Murugan, S. Akilapriyadharasini, S. Suja and P. Chinnaswamy
INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES
Watershed is a geo-hydrological unit draining at a common point by a system of streams. Watershed management is the rational utilization of land and water resources for optimum production with minimum hazard to natural resources. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques can be utilized for effective management of land and water resources in a watershed. Even the Government of Andhra Pradesh is implementing watershed development programs on priority basis for sustainable development of land and water resources on holistic approach. The activities of watershed management mainly include rainwater harvesting structures, soil conservation measures and environmental protection measures. The study area was Boothpur Mandal, which is one of the 64 mandals of Mahaboobnagar district. These areas have been identified as chronically drought affected areas in the State because of scanty and erratic rainfall. Collection of source data like satellite data of two seasons, SOI toposheets and village maps were carried out. Secondary data like ground water levels, agriculture, population and socioeconomic data were collected. Various thematic maps like base map, contour map, drainage map, soil map, geomorphology map, slope map and land use/land cover map were prepared by using SOI toposheets and satellite imageries. After analysing all maps, action plan map was generated for the soil and water conservation in the study area.
P. Srinivas, C. Sarala , P. Prabhakara Chowdary
IMPACT OF AN INSECTICIDE ROGOR ON OVARY OF CHANNA PUNCTATUS (BLOCH)
The present study deals with the toxic effects of an insecticide ‘Rogor’ on the ovary of Channa punctatus. Results give us clear data of great variation in numerical figure of different oogenic cells. It was found that in each ovarian phase, the normal development of ovary and its oocytes have been retarded due to adverse effect of Roger. The percentage of atretic oocytes (Stage VI) was found to be greater.
Snehlata Singh
Assessment of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) level in the Households of old Jammu City, J&K
The paper deals with assessment of indoor SPM levels in various households located in different areas of old Jammu city. Within each household indoor SPM in bedrooms, drawing rooms and kitchens was evaluated. From the above study, it can be concluded that kitchens of the study area have higher values of SPM (715.65 ± 233.71 µg/m3) followed by drawing rooms (612.79 ± 213.20 µg/m3) and bedrooms (608.59 ± 219.15 µg/m3). The overall average of the ambient indoor SPM level in the studied households is 645.68 ± 221.78 µg/m3.
Raj Kumar Rampal and Esha Abrol
EVALUATION STUDIES ON AERATION METHODS FOR TREATING SUGAR EFFLUENT IN SUSPENDED-GROWTH AEROBIC REACTOR
The sugar mill effluent is characteristically biodegradable with BOD5 of 1000-2500 mg/L and COD of 2000-4500 mg/L. The biodegradability varies from 0.3-0.5. The present study evaluates the performance of suspended-growth aerobic reactor, operated under different methods of aeration systems, viz., diffused aeration and surface aeration for treating the sugar mill effluent. The model was run under varying operating conditions, viz., influent flow rates (0.19, 0.38, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.50 L/hr) and influent COD (1036.67, 1526.84, 1995.68, 2549.61 and 3016.72 mg/L). The OLR (0.6498, 0.9725, 1.4125, 1.9651 and 2.5084 kg COD/MLSS day) and HRT (48, 24, 18, 12 and 06 hrs) are interpreted for the respective conditions of flow rate and influent COD. The COD removal was observed for a maximum of 86.73% starting from 65.90% for surface aeration and a maximum of 88.76% from 67.50% COD removal for diffused aeration.
C. Jodhi and V. Nehru Kumar
STATUS OF THE DRINKING WATER QUALITY IN SCHOOLS OF BONGAIGAON AREA OF BONGAIGAON DISTRICT OF ASSAM
Water samples from 15 different schools of Bongaigaon area were studied to assess the suitability of drinking water. A total of 21 physico-chemical parameters including heavy metals as well as bacteriological water quality parameters have been investigated. The anions viz., sulphate, chloride and fluoride, and heavy metals viz., arsenic, lead and chromium were within the permissible limit, while mercury was present in 20%, and copper and iron in 33.3% of the total water samples studied. Sixty-seven percent of water samples were acidic, while in 40% of the samples turbidity was above the permissible limit. Water samples, particularly from ring wells, have been found bacteriologically contaminated.
Ranu Roy and Munindra Nath Thakuria
STUDIES ON THE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY OF SULUR POND, COIMBATORE, TAMIL NADU
Among the environment, water is considered to be the most important since it forms the medium for aquatic life. Freshwater ecosystems are more productive and could be managed more effectively for human uses to supply drinking water and channel of water disposal and intercommunication. Present study is undertaken to estimate the productivity of freshwater Sulur pond located in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
S. Umavathi, K. Logankumar, S. Subhashini and S. Logaswamy
Reduction of Global Warming Gas Emissions from the Manufacture of Portland Cement Using high volume fly ash concrete
The Global warming gases are increasing steadily in the world due to the advent of industrialization. In 1800 before the industrial revolution started, the concentration of CO2 gas in the atmosphere was estimated to be 260 ppm only. The concentration of CO2 in the year 1988 was observed in Hawaii to be 350 ppm. The data indicate that the rate of concentration of global warming gases (GWG) in the atmosphere has increased considerably in the past few decades. This pushes the average global surface temperature by about 0.7°C. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has taken the view that average global temperature could rise by 1.4°C-5.8°C by the end of this century. This paper discusses some aspects of global warming and the role of admixtures in reducing emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere.
P. N. Magudeswaran, Sunilaa George and Jino John
STUDIES ON WATER POLLUTION OF MULA, MUTHA AND PAWANA RIVERS IN SUMMER SEASON IN THE PUNE CITY REGION
With increasing urbanization and industrialization, human beings are introducing new and complex chemicals without any rigorous bioassessment of their toxicity. Pune, which is situated at 18°31' N and 73°51' E, is the city with three rivers (Mula, Mutha, and Pavana) flowing through heart of the city. Nineteen sampling stations were selected downstream of non-polluted sites on all the three rivers. The river water samples were collected for a period of four months in the summer season from first week of February 2006 to end of May 2006, as the problem of water pollution is grave during summer season due to various factors like low water flow in the river and evaporation. The collection of samples was made fortnightly. The analysis of water samples was carried out for various physical and chemical parameters like pH, DO, BOD, hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitrates and nitrites etc. The analysis depicted heavy pollution of the river waters as BOD was high with lower or absence of DO at some sites. The nitrates, nitrites, sulphates, phosphates and sodium also showed high values at highly polluted sites.
Vinaya V. Fadtare and T.T. Mane
Microbial succession in casts of the earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae, fed upon tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) leaf residue
Microbial succession in casts of Eudrilus eugeniae and in the control (compost without earthworms) was studied over a period of 120 days of incubation by maintaining optimum moisture conditions throughout the experiment. Total viable counts of different types of microorganisms such as total viable bacteria, total viable Gram negative bacteria, total phosphate dissolving bacteria, total fungi, total phosphate dissolving fungi, total actinomycetes, phosphate dissolving actinomycetes, total Azotobacter population and total nitrifying bacteria were noted as colony forming units per gram (CFUs/g) in casts and control using suitable growth media. In the cast material, there has been selectively favoured proliferation of certain beneficial types of microorganisms, particularly those which are significant in N and P transformations, as compared to the compost kept as control. However, the total viable bacteria, total fungi and total Gram negative bacteria also appear to follow, though in a diminished form, similar growth pattern in control like the casts. The components influencing growth of microbes, common to both cast and control, were adequate nutrients, moisture and aeration. It is, therefore, probable that certain gut-originated components may be responsible for favoured proliferation of selective beneficial microorganisms like those participating in N and P transformations.
D. G. Kadam, G. R. Pathade and P. K. Goel
Ecological studies on three medicinally important plants of the family Compositae
All the three plant species selected for the study are short lived medicinal herbs. Eclipta alba is mostly found in marshy areas while Emilia sonchifolia and Vernonia cinerea are mostly seen along road sides and in waste lands. IVI shows that all the three species are not dominant in the habitat.
D. Sheela and G. Asha
Multiple antibiotic resistance Indexing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Drinking Water
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common organism found in water and its growth can cause problems with color, taste, odour and turbidity of the drinking water. In the present study, a total of 210 water samples were analysed and 40 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated and identified from various drinking water sources from different localities in Amravati city. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried with 24 antibiotics, which showed 47% resistance, and 53% sensitive. The studies reported high incidence (30%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water showing danger to human health due to its biofilm producing ability and indicating emergence of antibiotic resistance due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
D. H. Tambekar, N. B. Hirulkar and D. D. Walke
Determination of Heavy Metals from Leucas aspera using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic technique
Many mineral elements occur in plant and animal tissues in very minute quantities, which earlier scientists were unable to measure their precise concentration with analytical methods then available. Modern analytical technique like atomic absorption spectroscopy has the ability to measure almost all the trace elements in the smallest of biological samples with great precision and accuracy. There is also a need for heavy metal analysis to be an integral part of the standardization of herbal medicines. Leucas aspera is a herb with white colour flowers, largely occurring in plains. It has been used against various ailments of which anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and diabetes are few to name. Five common heavy metals Fe, Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Among the five metals analyzed in whole plant powder of Leucas aspera, Fe showed higher concentration while others were within the normal range.
Kapil M. Dalvi, Vikas V. Vaidya, M. B. Kekare, Parikshit Champanerkar and Willy Shah
PERFORMANCE AND RELATIVE SUITABILITY OF DIFFERENT TREE SPECIES ON DEGRADED SOILS OF JABALPUR
The present study was conducted on the performance and relative suitability of 14 different tree species planted on degraded sites in the premises of Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur (M.P.). The survival and growth observations recorded after 14½ years of planting showed that Albizia procera as the most suitable species with highest relative score. On the basis of relative suitability indices, plants were grouped into four categories. Species scoring highest number (75-100) were categorized under most suitable, while those with indices below 45 were considered not suitable for planting in these types of degraded soil. Albizia procera, Cassia siamea, Dalbergia latifolia, Dalberia sissoo and Tectona grandis were found to be most suitable. Azadirachta indica, Albizia lebbeck, Dendrocalamus stricus, Emblica officinalis, Pongamia pinnata and Sterculia urens were suitable, while Acacia catechu was less suitable and Acacia benthamii was unsuitable.
S. D. Sonkar, S. P. Tripathi, K. Singh and K. S. Negi
ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA FUNGAL ASSOCIATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN SOME EDGE PLANTS
A survey of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on 15 edge plants was undertaken, and percent of mycorrhizal colonization and spore number per 50g soil was determined. Varied percent of root colonization with varied spore number was recorded. Altogether 21 AM spores were isolated. The results revealed that Genus Glomus was most predominant among the recovered spore genera. The incidence of stunted plant growth, lower stem diameter, lower length of leaves, chlorosis and thin leaves with lower content of total chlorophyll pigment was demonstrated in those edge plants, which were without or less root colonization. However, edge plants, with higher AM colonization, showed improved plant growth, increased stem diameter, larger leaves without chlorosis and significantly increased total chlorophyll content in the leaves. This indicates the importance of AM fungal association in edge plants.
Mahesh B. Byatanal, Shweta J. Sabannavar, H.C. Lakshman and S. G. Hiremath
A STUDY ON WATER QUALITY OF KHOMPH-NIWARI LAKE AT CHHATARPUR, M.P.
The present study deals with the analysis of water quality of Khoumph-Niwari lake for the period of one year from January 2005 to December 2005. The analysis of physico-chemical parameters includes temperature, suspended solids, dissolved solids, pH, total hardness, alkalinity, carbonates, bicarbonates, sulphate, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, BOD and COD.
S. L. Khare, S. R. Paul and Anita Dubey
Studies on Pollution of River Nethravathi, Karnataka
The studies carried out on the River Nethravathi show that the river is grossly polluted at various stretches especially where pilgrim activity is concentrated. The major sources of the pollution are entry of sewage and direct human activity in the form of bathing, cloth washing, washing of vehicles, throwing of religious and other objects. Turbidity of the river at certain stations has been found quite low due to algal growth and presence of silt.
Santosh M. Avvannavar
Evaluation of fluoride content in drinking water samples and removal by membrane separation technique
A survey was carried out to evaluate the fluoride content in drinking water sources of villages of Buldana district, Maharashtra. The drinking water samples were collected from the main sources of water supply of twenty villages of the Buldana district. The results revealed that fluoride content of all the samples was well within the permissible limit. The reverse osmosis technique is used to study the defluoridation of water samples.
S. V. Agarkar and S. B. Borul
Degradation of Anionic Surfactant by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The anionic surfactants, especially linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) has been the most important industrially produced surfactant detected in urban sewage. Because of its poor biodegradability, LAS accumulates in the environment. In the present investigation, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, able to grow luxuriantly at LAS concentration of 150 µg/mL, was isolated from the urban sewage by enrichment culture technique. Its ability to degrade LAS was studied over a period of six days along with changes in biomass and pH. The estimation of the residual LAS by methylene blue method showed 98% degradation of LAS. The biologically treated waste water showed its potential to be used as irrigation water.
Rashmi B. Kurlekar, Ranjana G. Khade and Varsha K. Vaidya
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- Vol 11, No 3, Sep 2012
- Vol 11, No 2, Jun 2012
- Vol 11, No 1, Mar 2012
- Vol 10, No 4, Dec 2011
- Vol 10, No 3, Sep 2011
- Vol 10, No 2, Jun 2011
- Vol 10, No 1, Mar 2011
- Vol 9, No 4, Dec 2010
- Vol 9, No 3, Sep 2010
- Vol 9, No 2, Jun 2010
- Vol 9, No 1, Mar 2010
- Vol 8, No 4, Dec 2009
- Vol 8, No 3, Sep 2009
- Vol 8, No 2, Jun 2009
- Vol 8, No 1, Mar 2009
- Vol 7, No 4, Dec 2008
- Vol 7, No 3, Sep 2008
- Vol 7, No 2, Jun 2008
- Vol 7, No 1, Mar 2008
- Vol 6, No 4, Dec 2007
- Vol 6, No 3, Sep 2007
- Vol 6, No 2, Jun 2007
- Vol 6, No 1, Mar 2007
- Vol 1, No 1, Mar 2002